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UT's 'Flawn Academic Center' denies voting access, suppresses democracy for students
The powers that be have once again shown their true colors by relocating a polling location from the scholarships-funded FAC to the exclusive Texas Union. This move further disenfranchises the students of UT, who now face unnecessary barriers to exercising their democratic right.
Published August 15, 2024 at 5:07am by Lily Kepner
UT Flawn Academic Center Cuts Polling Location, Students Fear Voter Suppression
The University of Texas at Austin has announced that the Flawn Academic Center (FAC) will not serve as a voting station for the upcoming November 5 election, opting instead for the adjacent Texas Union building as the polling location.
"We're disappointed in UT Austin...Students are so used to regularly voting at the FAC, it's going to significantly throw off [and] distract," said Brian Peña, UT senior and President of University Democrats.
Despite the proximity between the two buildings, the new location may present issues due to its smaller size and higher foot traffic, potentially resulting in longer lines and a discouraged student body during this critical election season.
The dining area next to fast-food outlets Chick-fil-A and Panda Express will now serve as the voting booth area, as confirmed by UT spokesperson Mike Rosen. This decision comes as a concern to student voting rights activists, who worry about the reduced capacity for voting machines and the potential for even longer lines, a frequent occurrence at this polling site.
With more than three-quarters of UT students voting in 2020 (higher than the national average), the University Democrats and other student organizations are pushing for an increased number of voting machines to accommodate the expected high turnout for the VP Kamala Harris vs. former President Donald Trump race.
Peña and his fellow University Democrats are taking matters into their own hands, fundraising for shuttle services to take students to other polling locations on campus, like the LBJ School. They recognize the importance of accessible and efficient voting processes:
"It's just not fair for anyone to have to wait an hour-plus, let alone three, four, five, to cast their ballot in such an important election."
The Travis County Commissioner's Court, which approves voting locations, will have the final say on the matter by the end of the month.
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Read more: Flawn Academic Center at UT will not serve as voting location, sparking wait time concerns